Finland’s South Karelia region has suffered a severe economic impact after the closure of its border with Russia, which has resulted in a daily loss of around €1 million in tourism income. The Nordic country closed its land border with Russia in late 2023, citing concerns over an alleged influx of migrants from Africa and the Middle East. Russia has dismissed these allegations as completely baseless. South Kare than, which is closer to St. Petersburg than Helsinki, has relied heavily on Russian tourism and trade, with many businesses affected by the loss of Russian visitors, leading to empty hotels, shops, and restaurants. The economic repercussions have been evident, with unemployment in Imatra, a former tourist hotspot, reaching 15%, the highest in the country. The region’s economy, which had long enjoyed strong ties with Russia, now faces a significant challenge as local businesses struggle with declining sales and job cuts. Finland’s decision to close its border with Russia highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and economic ties with a former empire.